Kent Emerald Rogers, 72, Manhattan, died peacefully in Topeka after multiple health issues and a short bout with cancer on Thursday, August 3, 2017.

Kent was born June 21, 1945, at the Family Naval Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to Lyle and Alta Mae Justis Rogers. Kent graduated from Fairview High School, Fairview, KS in 1963. He continued his education at the Kansas State Teachers College, Emporia, KS, receiving a teaching degree in physical education and mathematics. Kent earned both his Masters and Educational Administration degrees at Wichita State University.

Kent and Sondra (Gleason), wed nearly 50 years ago on September 3, 1967, at the Seneca United Methodist Church. They have three sons, Randall, Kirby, and Eric Rogers.

Throughout Kent’s life his passions revolved around education, athletics and family. He began his teaching and coaching career at Rossville, KS. Then during his six years at Nemaha Valley High School, Seneca, Kent taught math and coached football. In 1973, the Atchison Globe named him Coach of the Year. A year later, Rogers was head coach for the Jaycee All-Star Football game and an assistant coach in the KS Shrine Bowl. In 1975, he served as head coach at the KS Shrine Bowl.

Shortly thereafter, the Rogers family moved to Hesston, KS where Kent taught high school math and coached football and track. After four years, Kent accepted a faculty, head football and track coaching position at Bethel College, North Newton. He was named KCAC and District 10 coach of the year in 1984 after an undefeated season. At the end of his 16 year tenure, Rogers was the winningest football coach in Bethel history. In 2003, Kent was named to the Bethel College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Rock Creek Middle/High School was Kent’s next stop, transferring his responsibilities to that of Assistant Principal and Athletic Director in 1995. Six years later, Rogers was named the KIAAA Middle School AD of the Year. After 13 years at Rock Creek, and 40 years in education, he decided to retire only to pick it up again working part-time at Manhattan Eisenhower MS then taking the part-time AD position at Wamego MS. Through the years, he was an active member of KSHSAA, basketball official and track starter. In 2008, Kent was awarded the NIAAA State Award of Merit for his distinguished work in leadership and athletic administration.

Throughout his life, Kent’s heart was in pushing his students, athletes and his own sons to do their very best in all they pursue. He found great pleasure in seeing the young people he mentored succeed in order to in turn make an impact on the world around them. Kent was a man of few words but when he did speak, it was direct and to the point. He cared deeply for his family and friends and was quietly generous.

Kent was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Alta Mae (Justis) Rogers and Mother-in-law, Evelyn (Goodman) Gleason.

Kent left behind his wife, Sondra; Son, Randall (Cindy) and grandsons, Reece, Trey; Son, Kirby (Christina) and grandchildren, Gracie and Jayson; Eric and granddaughter, Abigail. Father-in-law, William Gleason; Brothers, Brad (Marie) Rogers, Butch Rogers, Dal (Diane) Winger; Sisters, Turi (Al) Melichar, Lyla (Lyle) Edelman, Nila (David) Swett, Joyce Meyer, numerous nieces, nephews, and a lifetime of friends and colleagues.

Kent loved the color of Purple so on the day of the funeral please wear purple and be casual.

There will be a time to visit with the family before the service from 1:00 – 3:00; both at Lauer Funeral Home, 212 S 4th Street, Seneca, KS.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 12, at 3:00 PM. As the immediate family attends the interment, directly after the memorial service, other friends and family are welcome to move to the American Legion at 812 Main for a further time of fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Kent Rogers Memorial Scholarship Fund may be made to United Bank & Trust, 502 Main Street, Seneca, KS 66538.